Analog Cycles Fifth Season Ride and Race

 Analog’s Fifth Season Ride and Race is a feast of mud, slush and maple syrup.   Poultney’s 434rd Maple Festival is happening, and what better way to experience it than trudging up snow covered dirt roads and hanging out in steaming sugar shacks.  Watch sap boil down while you drip mud. Nosh on fried dough drizzled in maple madness. Secretly quaff bourbon out of a flask and wash it down with a shot of Vermont’s finest.  The Fifth Season Ride and Race features two options: A ridiculous race (secret bonus points for collecting maple syrup and completing weird tasks) and a climby, mellow paced ride.  

PLEASE NOTE there are NO REFUNDS FOR ANY ANALOG RIDE / Camping, Merch, Meals.  All of these rides happen no matter what the weather, and we prebuy way too much stuff to offer refunds.  Thanks for understanding!

Schedule of events:

8:00 to 8:30: Arrive at Analog, get your bike ready, sign in at Meadow Lane Sugar House aka 181 Hillside Rd, aka ye old Analog HQ

9:00: Group breakfast for riders and racers.   Breakfast sandwiches provided by our friends at the Poultney Pub.  Egg / Cheese / Meat. There will be a meat free option for those who abstain.  Coffee too.  Sorry, but if you have other allergies or food restrictions, you are on on your own.  

10:30:  Racers start, riders cheer them on and or mock them for falling in the mud.  Le Mans style bog run start.  Yes, there is a bog, yes you run thru it.  And a stream. Muck boots encouraged. Tap shoes scorned.

10:40-11ish: Casual ride starts.

3-4pm: Meet back at ye ol Analog HQ for a bonfire, hot beverages, and post-ride hangs.

4pm onward: BYO dinner, more fire, camping, etc. 

For the Casual Riders:

Chill ride starts at 10:40am: Soak up the scenery on a mix of pavement and dirt roads (bring a gravel or mountain bike with at least 38mm tires!).Sugar shack tour: Visit local shacks, sip syrup, and indulge in mapley goodness.Bonfire, hot toddies, and hangs: Back at Analog, warm up by the fire, sip some maple-laced drinks, and tell tales of muddy glory.

For the Racing Maniacs:

Le Mans bog run start at 10:30am: Get ready to sprint through a swampy wonderland.35+ miles of dirt roads and adventure: Navigate an unmarked route (GPS or map mandatory) through mud, snow, and maybe even a surprise snow squall.Sugar shack challenges: At designated stops, conquer maple syrup shots or food tasks (selfies and signatures required!). Bonus points for creativity and gluttony!Unleash your inner beast: Climb hills, battle the elements, and race to the finish line (self-guided, fastest time wins!).Prizes and bragging rights: Be crowned the Fifth Season Syrup King/Queen and bask in the sweet glory.  1st place (as determined by shortest time AND bonus points) gets a gallon of Maple Syrup + a Fifth Season Canvas Bulldog Front Bag.  Second place gets ½ a gallon and a Fifth Season Tool Bag.  3rd place gets a Quart of syrup and a Fifth Season saddle cover.  

General Logistics:

Start and finish at Analog's old HQ (181 Hillside Rd, East Poultney): Breakfast, bonfire, and camping all on-site.Be prepared for the elements: Dress warm and waterproof (think wool sweaters, jeans, and MUCK BOOTS!), bring layers, and pack a change of clothes (you'll thank yourself later).Fuel up: Bring snacks and water for the ride/race, and BYO booze for the post-ride festivities.Camping available: Pitch your tent in our walk-in woodland area for $10/night (porta-potties only, no fancy amenities).

This is not your average bike event. It's a celebration of mud, maple, and the joys of riding dirty. So grab your bike, your appetite for adventure, and get ready to experience the Fifth Season the Analog way.  Which is disjointed and barely functional, but fun!

You'll get a confirmation email with future logistics info, equipment recommendations, that sort of thing.

Stoked to see everyone out there!  -James, Mark, Kat, Dan, and Lego the Dog